At this point in our political cycle, we are no doubt thinking a lot about leadership, politics, and government. In just four short weeks, we will elect the next president of our country. Without discussing anything specific from our own political parties and without making any points for any candidate by name, please think for a few minutes and comment on the following questions that this play raises. What makes a good leader? Is it okay to sacrifice the rights of an individual for the good of many, the way that Brutus and the conspirators sacrificed Caesar for Rome? What would the perfect government look like? Brutus, one could argue, is in favor of a democratic leadership. He fears the total power Caesar wanted to assume. With that being said, is it ironic at all that Brutus chose a VERY undemocratic method of finding a solution to the problem? Are there any contemporary world events-- or any in recent history-- which parallel Brutus' taking of Caesar's life? Do such comparisons help you understand Brutus' position or the world in the play?
Lit Terms 2
5 years ago
6 comments:
I think a good leader is one who makes sacrifices for his or her own country or group. He does whatever is best for the people, but has good morals and courage.I can see where Brutus would think he was doing the right thing for his country, but I don't know if he had to go to such extreme measures. Then again, I don't know if impeaching Caeser would've worked, although Brutus could more than likely get the townspeople to agree with him on anything, as long as he had a legitimate reason for his plan of action.
After doing the character charts, they got me thinking about all the characters in the play. Since Brutus wanted a democracy instead of a monarchy, I find it quite ironic that he "took care of" Caeser in such a dictorial way. I guess he thought assasinating Caeser was the only way to stop the hunger for power, although this may arouse other power-hungry situations and conflicts in the near future.
Jenna Stewart
I believe a good leader is someone that leads for the good of the people, not for his or her own benefits. A leader must make decisions based on what is good for everyone, and should not let biased opinions interfere with his decisions. In a way this is what Brutus did. If Cassius hadn't convined him that murder was the only way to bring Ceasar down, I don't believe killing would be Brutus's first choice. But he wanted what was best for society as a whole, so he didn't let his own feelings get in the way. It's impossible to please everyone, so while I do think it's ok to sacrifice the rights of an individual to do what's best, obviously I do not think murder is appropriate.
Emily Hill
to answer some of the question i would say that to make a good leader you have to be passionate about whatever they do because if they are passionate then it gives them courge and bravery to do what they are passionate about. i would say it is to a certain extant. if it is ok to sacrafice someone to save alot of other people. then they must be very corrupt and there should be alot of proof that they are corrupt. like in this story i really dont think that what brutus and the conspirators did was right because they guessed taht caesar would turn corrupt and assumed it was going to happen but didn't really know. i understand they feared that he turn to power hungry but i mean if he did they could have just killed him when he did not before they didn't really know. my perfect government would be one that in truth served the needs and general welfares of everyone.
Dustin Shelton
In my opinion, the one key thing to a successful leader is putting your country before yourself. Sure other things could benefit you as a leader but is it really ideal for the country? Just because you believe in it does not mean its the best thing for the country. So that, in my opinion is the thing that makes a great leader. Even though Caesar was assassinated like some of our presidents in the past, I have a hard time comparing them. Mainly because back then having honor was such a big deal and doing the honorable thing. Patriotism had such compassion behind it unlike today. Today, if our presidents get assassinated it is just some lunatic not a patriot being a loyal countrymen. Plus, its not like someone can just walk up to the front door of the white house and kill the president. In conclusion, I do believe that what Brutus did was right though, because he believed in a better Rome and was only trying to benefit its people not hurt them. - Ted Lackey
In my opinion, a good leader is selfless, level headed, and well rounded. Brutus thought killing Caesar would save Rome, but when I think about it, they could have just taken him out of control. Caesar hadn't done anything too wrong so far, but I think the action they took was too extreme and unnecessary. I think Brutus was more convinced to kill Caesar than anything, i doubt he would have done that on his own. I think killing a power hungry leader is only necessary in some situations. If the leader was killing, starving, or depriving innocent people, then I think killing them could come into the picture. In smaller situations,just taking them out of power is enough.
Hayley Brewster
A good leader is someone who will devote everything to their country. They mention in the story alternatives to killing an individual, such as being exiled and imprisoned. The government set up the right of the people to show their requirements and rules, which by example they should follow. No one should be exempt from following these rules, especially government leaders, such as Brutus and Cassius. It was not okay for them kill a man for having too much rain over the country, when they have alternatives. These alternatives could have been simply telling him to back off, or to threaten him being exiled/imprisoned. A good government would make all the citizens follow the rules. A great government would have the politicians following the rules too. It is very ironic that he chose the undemocratic method of finding the solution, when he is usually all about being for the democratic option. I think one event in recent history that showed this, was the killing of Kennedy family. Some people believed the Kennedy family had too much political power. I don’t think I will ever understand Brutus’ position or choice to slay Caesar.
Brooke Muller
Post a Comment